Step 1
Choose a Meaningful Date
You pick the day that matters most. It could be:
- The birthday of someone they’ve lost
- The anniversary of their passing
- The first Mother’s Day or Father’s Day without them
- A holiday that might feel especially hard, like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Hanukkah
Many in our community find that these moments, often weeks or months after the funeral, are when people feel most forgotten in their grief journey.
Step 2
Write Your Message
You don’t have to say something perfect, you just have to say something real.
Use your own voice to write a short letter or note. You might:
- Share a memory of their loved one
- Acknowledge how hard this time might be
- Offer quiet encouragement
- Simply say, “I’m thinking of you today.”
We don’t edit or alter your words. What you write is what they receive, sealed, personal, and entirely yours.
Step 3
We Take Care of the Rest
Once your message is written and your date is chosen, we:
- Display your message on premium stationery
- Address and stamp the envelope
- Ensure delivery through the United States Postal Service as close as possible to your chosen date
Your name appears clearly on the letter and envelope. We never send anonymous messages, this is about real connection, that digital communication cannot replicate.
For the Person Receiving It
We include a short, respectful note inside the envelope explaining what Cardinal is and who the message is from. If the recipient ever wants to pause, opt out, or screen senders, they can visit cardinal.love/received to manage their preferences easily and privately.